PV-T modules to be excluded under the RHI

Ofgem arrived at this decision on the basis “that there was little evidence available on this technology. We therefore decided that it should not be eligible at the launch of the RHI scheme,” said a DECC spokesperson.

PV-T modules, which produce both electricity and hot water, will only be able to garner a Feed-in Tariff payment for the electricity it produces. Its solar thermal capacity for hot water will not count under the RHI.  

Paul Laidler, MD of Natural Technology Developments (NTD), the developer of the Solar Angel PV-T panel, told Solar Power Portal: “We are astonished by the apparent decision to exclude PV-T technology from the domestic RHI due to what appears to have been a misconception by parts of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that there will be a double counting of energy.

“This is not correct as the heat from the panels would only be counted for direct solar thermal contribution, the same as standard solar thermal panels. PV-T panels generate both heat and electricity and are actually tested and accredited as both solar thermal panels and PV panels.”

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